Under the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the final qualifying round of the "Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Quran Competition for private School Students in Dubai" will commence. The competition is organized by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) as part of the "Ghirass Alkhair" initiative. The competition aims to promote the memorization, recitation, Tajweed, and scientific texts of the Quran among students.
The competition has seen the participation of 1,104 male and female students from 32 schools across Dubai. This large number reflects the widespread interest in the competition and highlights the remarkable cultural diversity, as students represent 41 different nationalities. This makes the competition an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for fostering Islamic values among the younger generations.
The competition consists of four main categories: Quran memorization, Beautiful Recitation, Memorization of Scientific Texts, and Memorization of Tajweed Texts. Additionally, there is a special category for people of determination, which reflects the values of inclusivity and integration. The number of participants in each category is as follows: 637 in the Quran Memorization category, 109 in the Beautiful Recitation category, 117 in the Tajweed Text Memorization category, and 241 in the Scientific Texts Memorization category.
In his statement, Mr. Abdullah Abu Bakr Basaleh, Executive Director of Quran Affairs and Competitions and Head of the Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Quran Competition Team, said: "This competition represents an excellent model for promoting noble Islamic values in students' hearts, in collaboration with the KHDA, by creating a competitive environment that encourages the memorization and recitation of the Quran. Through this competition, we aim to build a generation that is committed to the teachings of its faith and contributes to the prosperity of its community."
He added that the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department strives to ensure that the competition is comprehensive and distinguished by the diversity of its categories and its inclusion of all students, including those of determination who serve as an inspiring example of excellence and perseverance. He further explained that the competition is part of the department's commitment to enhancing national identity and Islamic values, with a focus on instilling the principles of goodness and tolerance in the younger generations.